Downtown Commercial Historic District

Redevelopment Incentive

The establishment of the historic district brings distinction to downtown Moline for its historic and architectural character. It also provides a redevelopment incentive. Property owners within the District can qualify for a Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit equal to 20% of a rehabilitation’s qualified expenditures for substantial rehabilitation projects. In order to qualify, a Historic Preservation Certification Application must be made to the National Park Service within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Upon approval, the tax credit may then be subtracted directly from federal income taxes submitted by the owner.

Placement on the National Register of Historic Places

August 30, 2007, the Moline Downtown Commercial Historic District was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district includes 114 buildings on 33 acres that are centered on 5th Avenue between 12th Street and 18th Street. One hundred of the buildings contribute to the significance of the district because they retain their historic and architectural integrity and reflect the character of the historic downtown. Take a look at scenes of the District in 2012 as well as historic images of the District.

Moline Local Landmarks

The City of Moline also has 11 local historic landmarks. Click on the link for more information on nomination and application to be considered a historic landmark.

Architecture

A high level of architectural integrity characterizes most of the buildings in the historic district, although numerous modifications appear on street-level storefronts. The sense of scale, design, and materials remains strong. Architectural building styles include:

Art Deco

Beaux Arts

Chateauesque

Classical Revival

Colonial Revival

Commercial

Gothic Revival

Italian Renaissance

Moderne

Prairie School

Tudor Revival

Architects

Prominent local architects designed some of the key buildings within this historic district. They include:

There are many groups and organizations in the City of Moline dedicated to the preservation of historic structures. Each has specific goals and holdings and provide different types of information to help you conduct research on your home, individuals, and Moline history in general. See local preservation resources.

State & Federal Preservation Resources

Government programs at the state and national level provide guidelines, standards, and expertise for preservationists. See state and federal resources.